Caught Or Not
Matthew 13: 44 - 46
Intro: Where do you think the most expensive piece of real estate on the planet is located? - - - Cemeteries. All kinds of treasures are buried there: dreams never pursued, books never written, songs never sung, inventions never pursued, churches never built, trips never taken - - - on and on. Find-an sell parables - - - hidden treasure stories - - - “finders keepers, losers weepers!
I Only in Matthew do we find 7 parables that describe the Kingdom of God. I have chosen 2: the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price.
A In Matthew, “HEAVEN” stands for God and “KINGDOM” represents God’s dynamic activity in the world.
B Treasure in a field – man “finds” it. What was he doing in another man’s field? Was he a hired hand? Did he do the right thing? He could have just kept the treasure!
C Looking for fine pearls – wisdom gained through Torah study was referred to in rabbinic literature as a pearl.
II What is the point of the parables? Why did Matthew put them together with no explanation?
A In one parable we know the man isn’t necessarily searching for treasure. He just finds it. In the other, the merchant is actively searching for the pearl.
B What is the meaning of the parables? What do they have in common?
C The characters in both parables sell all that they have to obtain the treasure and the pearl.
III Imagine for a moment that I am your own magic genie. But, I’m a very frugal genie and instead of giving you the traditional 3 wishes, I’m only going to give you one wish. What would it be? - - - I would wish for more wishes.
A Both people sell all they have to own the treasure and the pearl. - - - Releasing ownership of ALL other possessions leads one to find meaning in a greater joy.
B The kingdom of God commands radical change of life and full commitment.
C Both parables remind us that there is a cost of discipleship. Following Christ Jesus requires giving all we have to that cause.
Concl: What do you long to see or experience? When do we say: “I would give anything or everything to see _____________?
What treasure should the church sell all in joy to possess?
What treasure do you seek? Is that treasure caught or not?
Matthew 6: 21 says: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
